Pakistan Calling is a film platform set up by The Samosa and the RSA showing links between civil and cultural organisations, communities in Pakistan and the UK, exploring the many problems faced by Pakistan and supporting those working for social change in both countries. Please go to www.thesamosa.co.uk to find out more about our arts, education, media and social change work in both Britain and Pakistan.

October 15, 2016October 15, 2016

Realities from the field – a gender specialist

Nighat Taufiq is a gender and advocacy specialist who worked for 15 years with Shirkat Gah (@Shirkat_Gah), a women’s research, development and advocacy organisation in Karachi. Much of the footage in this film was shot in a remote village in Sinjhoro in Sanghar district.

Women in rural communities in Pakistan face a harsh and difficult life – malnutrition, inflation, oppressive circumstances, and more recently natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. About 80 percent of rural women are involved in farming and livestock.

While there have been several studies acknowledging their labour-intensive role and dual responsibilities at home and as a field hand, we still lack the full picture of their lives and contributions to Pakistan. This film gives some great insights into the lives of these women.